Indonesia’s demand for refined sugar expected to increase 5 percent hinh anh 1The Indonesian Food and Beverage Association (GAPPMI) has projected a 5-percent rise in demand for refined sugar this year to meet its 9.8 percent growth target set for the food and beverage sector (Photo: Antara)
 
Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Food and Beverage Association (GAPPMI) has projected a 5-percent rise in demand for refined sugar this year to meet its 9.8 percent growth target set for the food and beverage sector.

According to the association`s Chairman Adhi Lukan, demand for raw sugar in 2019 for the food and beverage industry is expected to reach 3.6 million tonnes.

However, the government has decided to import 2.8 million tonnes of the commodity, with the stock currently reaching 800,000 tonnes, he said.

Lukman stated that the import volume has yet to take into account the projected increase of 5 percent in demand.

"The government will review it every three months, and if necessary, the import volume will be increased," he added.

Meanwhile, GAPPMI also predicted that growth in the food and beverage industry will boost the demand for raw material, and hoped that the government will scrutinise this issue wisely.

The industry has become the main driver for the nation`s industrial growth that is targeted at 5.4 percent in 2019, in addition to four other industries: machinery; textile and garment; leather, leather products, and footwear; and metal goods, computer and electronic goods.-VNA
VNA